"Building in Paradise" Isla de Roatán Travelogue by Dionosaur

Isla de Roatán Travel Guide: 340 reviews and 703 photos

Our house almost complete - Oct 2006

Dreams really can come true - Roatan

Even from the air, you can tell this lush tropical island is special. For starters, there are a lot more trees than buildings and the majority of the hillsides are still virgin land still covered with the natural island vegetation.

Growing up in Southern California and being a scuba diver, I have always loved the ocean and being near the beach. I never really considered owning my own piece of beachfront, priced of anything even remotely near the beach in CA being entirely out of my price range. But, after my first trip to Roatan, I suddenly found myself thinking that it might be possible.

So after almost a year of searching, my boyfriend, myself and a friend, took the plunge and purchased property on the island of Roatan. Here is a look at our journey.

Getting ready - Nov. 2005

Pre-construction picture

We purchased our property in October of 2003. At that time, the little pink house in the background was sitting near the front of the property. During 2004 we had it moved from the front of the property to the back to make room for our new house.

In October of 2005 we hired a contractor to build the new house. This picture was taken by him just after hurricane Wilma broke our fence and covered the road with sand. As you can see, they have marked out the footprint for the house and you can also see our little pink house in the back, where we had it moved.

Getting started - Dec. 2005

Cistern

Here is a picture of them building our 15,000 gallon cistern. The cistern and the septic tank must be completed before they can do the foundation.

Foundation and walls - Feb. 2006

Foundation and walls

Here you can see that we are building above ground on a piling foundation. Since we are only a couple of hundred feet from the ocean, we figured that was the best way to go. But we went with concrete and rebar filled pvc pipes instead of wood to avoid any termite problems.

Getting there - Mar. 2006

Walls done

Well, its starting to look like a house. Its very exciting to see our plans start to take a real shape. Now we just need a roof!

Roof started - May 2006

House May 2006

Well, it took a little while but the roof has been started and things are looking good.

Paint and Windows

Paint and windows

Well the windows I ordered from Home Depot in Florida have finally arrived and they have started installing them and have started the first coat of paint.

Page Updated Oct 15, 2006
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

More Travelogues (2)

1 - 2 of 2

Reviews (4)

Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All Bring bug repellant
Hotels (1)
Simple Pleasures

Things to Do (1)
Snorkel/Dive
Been to Isla de Roatán?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (6)

RickinDutch Apr 5, 2006 at 12:09 PM Report Abuse

Snowing here in Alaska today & 34F. Your photos made it that much easier to take! Birthday greetings from the Aleutians!
Sininen Apr 5, 2006 at 1:27 AM Report Abuse

Hello Dion! Lovely page on Roatan! Hope you get to move there one day. Happy birthday from Finland!
matcrazy1 Jan 7, 2006 at 4:29 PM Report Abuse

Great colours of sky and clear water. Good accommodation tip, a bit expensive place though :-)
Hermanater Apr 5, 2004 at 12:41 PM Report Abuse

Looks like a great place to visit.....
Goner Mar 29, 2004 at 9:15 PM Report Abuse

Your pictures of Roatan are gorgeous, I think you have found paradise. Too bad about the little deer.
TinKan Oct 12, 2003 at 12:31 PM Report Abuse

Enjoyed the pictures and the stay. The critters were fun to see and play with.